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Fort Smith Urban Hunt Clears First Hurdle

A much-debated urban deer hunt in Fort Smith jumped its first hurdle Tuesday in a 4-3 vote by city directors.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved on first reading an ordinance authorizing an urban deer hunt for bow hunters. Second and final readings will be required before the proposal takes effect.

“I just want to encourage the board to vote for this because we need this,” resident and Fort Smith developer Rocky Walker said. “My wife hit a deer about three months ago in Riley Farm, and I’ve almost hit one several times … It’s sad, I know, for some people to think about killing Bambi. But what’s worse is the potential harm to property, and obviously, the tragedy that could happen with somebody trying to dodge a deer.”

The special hunt for bow hunters, which was originally proposed by the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, according to city leaders, would follow guidelines established by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

“There are a number of requirements in order to get a permit to participate in an urban deer hunt, not the least of which is you have to be 16 years old and you have to have an Arkansas big game permit,” Police Chief Kevin Lindsey said. “That’s the first step. Then you have to go through a number of qualifications, including testing, proficiency testing, payment of fees for insurance and other coverages that are associated with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, as well as the Arkansas Bow Hunters Association.”

The proposed ordinance states that no hunting will be allowed within 50 yards of residences, houses, public trails, golf courses, parks, utility installations or paved roads.

The chief said, “That’s correct,” adding that the hunting area would not include the riverfront.

At-Large Director Philip Merry Jr. also questioned Lindsey.

“The intent, obviously, is with an emphasis for the Chaffee area,” Merry said. “But, is there not any other area in Fort Smith that one could conceivably, under the realm of the law, hunt?”

Lindsey said, “Conceivably, but not unless I approve it, and I’m not inclined to do so.”

The ordinance states that hunters may hunt only from stands elevated at least 10 feet off the ground.

“I know it’s hard to believe I’m against this,” resident Sam Phillips said. “I’m an avid deer hunter. I’ve shot them with bows and muzzle-loaders, rifles and shotguns. I go to the woods to do that, and places that are adapted for that, not in the city limits.”

Before the vote, Ward 4 Director George Catsavis suggested the board table the ordinance for 90 days in order to better inform the public about the urban hunt. His motion failed 4-3.

“A lot of people are in the dark about these rules and regulations,” he said. “A lot of people think they’re going to be set up behind their house in a tree stand with their kids playing in the backyard. I think it’s something that needs to be discussed before we make a decision on this.”

“I think for the city of Fort Smith, we are better off promoting Chaffee Crossing, and that area out there, as recreation,” Weber said. “I just can’t support hunting there.”

In Fort Smith’s proposal, crossbows have been prohibited. To encourage participation in the urban hunt, its season begins a month earlier than the standard archery season.

“The urban hunt idea is not new,” said Ralph Meeker, a deer program coordinator with the state. “You can go online and type in urban deer hunts in the United States, and you’ll find Ames, Iowa, Springfield, Mo., the Twin Lakes in Minnesota, suburbs of New York City, Pittsburgh, Pa. All of these cities are incorporating urban deer hunts.”

The urban hunt would begin on the first Saturday in September and end Jan. 31, according to Meeker. To make this year’s hunt, he told directors an agreement would need to be signed by mid-March.